How To Remove Attic Insulation Efficiently

Answering How To Remove Attic Insulation Efficiently Is A Step-By-Step Process

The process of efficient attic insulation removal requires the following 4 steps:

The first step in the process of removal of attic insulation is assessing the insulation to be removed. In another earlier blog, Attic Insulation In 2023, we detailed the different attic insulation types: fiberglass, which comes as batt and roll or loose fill blown in; cellulose insulation, composed of recycled newspaper can also be loose fill or blown in.

A necessary insulation removal tool for the experienced professionals of Master Attic is a heavy-duty, high-powered insulation vacuum, that is placed outside the home, followed by sanitizing and deodorizing of the attic floor.

Old blown-in insulation, like Cellulose insulation particularly, is understood to be dusty and requires the Master Attic professionals to protect themselves with special protective clothing, heavy gloves, goggles, masks, or respirators, as well as containing work area with large rolls of plastic sheeting to ensure dust never enters the home space!

Old batt and roll blanket insulation are removed and tied securely in sealed bags and tossed out the closest window or carried out of the home in sealed bags. Removal of this type of attic insulation will mean evaluating the surface for pest infestation, such as termites and rodent nests.

Moving about the tight confines of the unfinished attic space to remove batt and roll, cellulose, or fiberglass blown insulation requires gingerly stepping on the attic joists and not placing all weight on one joist, lest one’s foot breaks through to the ceiling below the attic. We hope it is understood why Master Attic discourages homeowners from considering the removal of attic insulation as a DIY project! Ensuring efficient insulation removal requires knowledge of the insulation material to be removed, professional insulation removal tools with expertise in using such tools, and wearing of protective clothing and mask. Also needed is the technical expertise to spot pest and rodent nests and to remediate the damage to retain a healthy home environment. 

A ‘Lofty’ Endeavor — The Attic Cleaning  

With the removal of old attic insulation, homeowners can next expect Master Attic technicians to perform a thorough attic cleaning that includes ensuring rodent waste, animal nests and remains, and hazardous insulation materials are removed from attic space according to all local and state regulations. The attic floor will then be thoroughly heavy-duty vacuumed of residual rodent droppings, dirt, dust, and debris that can build up and bring about respiratory illnesses and allergies to household members. Attic cleaning also involves the elimination of clutter that prevents easy access to any HVAC equipment, plumbing pipes, or electrical wiring that is part of the attic. 

Not To Trivialize The Attic Sanitize

Attic sanitizing is yet another step of attic cleaning in the process of efficient insulation removal. Attic sanitizing and deodorizing is essential when rodent nests and other pests have been discovered. Such sanitizing involves rodent-proofing by sealing up entry points to prevent future access to the attic vermin, as well as vacuuming up rodent droppings. Professional sanitizing involves using a potent disinfectant solution to properly eliminate disease and bacterial pathogens. Depending on the size of the attic, thorough attic sanitizing can take one to two days.